Giants grab Thibodeaux at No. 5 to bolster pass rush
The New York Giants selected Oregon edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, No. 5 overall.
The Giants opted to address their pass rush with their top pick instead of their offensive line, leaving highly-touted tackles Evan Neal and Ikem Ekwonu on the board. New York landed Neal two selections later after the Carolina Panthers chose Ekwonu sixth overall.
Thibodeaux had 19 sacks over three seasons at Oregon, including seven in 2021. He was twice selected to the All-Pac-12 first team, delivering on the promise he brought to Oregon as the No. 1 overall recruit in 2019.
The Giants have struggled to pressure opposing quarterbacks off the edge in recent seasons, though Azeez Ojulari recorded eight sacks last year as a rookie.
Scouting Profile: Kayvon Thibodeaux
| School | Height | Weight | 40 time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon | 6'4 | 254 | 4.58 |
Thibodeaux began his final year as an early favorite to go No. 1. His stock has slipped a bit since then, but his play reinforces his case for contention. The Oregon pass-rusher has an explosive get off and converts speed to power very effectively. He also has the strength to bully offensive tackles and adequate flexibility to get around opposing tackles. Simply put, Thibodeaux is a relentless one-man wrecking crew in the backfield. He may not be the first edge rusher to hear his name called, but he's about as proven of a pick as you can get.